Abdominal X-rays

Alternate Names
abdominal film
KUB



Definition of Abdominal X-rays

Abdominal X-rays are a series of X-rays taken to diagnose certain abdominal problems. A KUB is an abdominal X-ray that looks at the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.

Who is a candidate for the test?

Abdominal X-rays may be ordered if the healthcare provider suspects a problem involving the organs in the abdominal cavity. Common examples of these problems are:

• abdominal pain
• a bowel obstruction
• a foreign object that has been swallowed
• a kidney disorder
• a mass or swelling
• a perforation, or hole, in the bowel
• severe constipation or diarrhea
• vomiting

How is the test performed?

X-rays are electromagnetic waves of energy that form a picture of bones or other tissues inside the body. The density of the tissue helps dictate how far the X-rays penetrate. Tiny amounts of radiation absorbed by the tissues produce various grades of black and white on X-ray film. An X-ray exam is painless.

When abdominal X-rays are taken, the X-rays may include the:

• chest
• flat abdomen, which is taken while lying down
• upright abdomen, which is taken while standing

A person unable to stand may be asked to lie on his or her left side for one of the films.

What is involved in preparation for the test?

A person having an X-ray will completely undress and put on a hospital gown. Jewelry and other metal objects should be removed. The person will be asked the following questions:

• if he or she can briefly hold a breath
• if he or she has any metal objects in his or her body
• if he or she has had a barium enema or upper GI series X-ray in the past 4 to 5 days
• if he or she has taken any medicine with bismuth in it, such as Pepto-Bismol
• when he or she last ate or had something to drink

A woman will also be asked if she might be pregnant. She may also be asked if she has an intrauterine device (IUD).

What do the test results mean?

Abdominal X-rays can detect a wide variety of problems. Some common examples include:

• abnormal masses
• a bowel obstruction
• enlarged organs
• fluid, such as blood or other body fluid, in the abdominal cavity
• gallstones and kidney stones
• a perforation in the bowel
• pneumonia, which could be the cause of abdominal symptoms